Manta Diving

Located in Nosy Be, Madagascar, Manta Diving has been a fixture of the local diving community since 1996. Under the direction of Emanuele Venanzi and Carlotta Barba, the centre has evolved into a hub for divers interested in marine biology and sustainable tourism. The operation is built around a deep connection to the local ecosystem and a commitment to scientific engagement.

The centre operates with a focus on personalised service, moving away from mass tourism to ensure minimal environmental impact. Whether you are here for your first Open Water Diver course or to follow a more technical path, the emphasis remains on safety, biological understanding, and high-quality instruction.

The team is a diverse mix of expertise, including Italian instructors, a French partner, and a dedicated marine biologist. This biological expertise is central to the experience, as the centre collaborates with the University of Calabria, hosting naturalists for training on local megafauna.

Local Malagasy guides provide essential knowledge of the territory, from marine currents to local botany, and are specifically trained in sea rescue. This combination of international instruction and local expertise ensures that you are well-supported both underwater and during land excursions.

Safety is managed through a strict diver-to-guide ratio, with one Dive Master or instructor for every five or six certified divers. The centre also maintains a strong focus on medical preparedness, recommending DAN insurance and noting the proximity of a hyperbaric chamber in Nosy Be.

Manta Diving provides a comprehensive range of training through PADI and SSI affiliations. Beginners can start with the Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver courses, progressing through Adventure Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver.

For those looking to professionalise their skills, the centre offers Divemaster training and Rescue Diver courses. Specialist training is also available, including Nitrox, Deep Diver, Drift Diving, and the SNSI DECO DIVER course.

The fleet consists of four fast Vandamme boats designed for efficient travel to various dive sites. These vessels are equipped with GPS, VHF-UHF radio, double batteries, and sun shading to ensure comfort during excursions.

On board, you will find oxygen, first aid kits, and life jackets. For longer day trips, the boats provide snacks, fruit, and local coconut treats, with full lunches and drinks included for full-day activities. Larger boats also feature freshwater showers for rinsing off after your dives.

The centre is well-equipped for both training and exploration, featuring two latest-generation compressors and a membrane system to provide Nitrox 27%. The cylinder inventory includes a variety of sizes: two 7L, five 15L, one 18L, and several 12L cylinders.

For those requiring rental kit, a full range is available, including masks, snorkels, fins, and 3mm wetsuits, with some 5mm options also held in stock. The facility includes areas for equipment assembly, rinsing, and cylinder changes, and Wi-Fi is available at the Manta Diving base.

The marine life in Nosy Be is diverse, ranging from reef fish to large pelagics. You will regularly encounter various species including Jacks (Carangidae), snappers (Lutjanidés), fusiliers (Caesio), and colourful reef fish such as Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae), and Triggerfish (Balistidae). Turtles (Cheloniidae), including Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), are common sights on the reef.

For macro enthusiasts, the area hosts a variety of smaller organisms. Keep an eye out for Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda), and various species of Frogfish (Antennarius), Stonefish (Synanceia), and Pipefish (Solenostomidae). You may also spot Garden eels (Gorgasia), Ribbon eels, and various species of Shrimp.

Seasonal visitors include Humpback whales from late August to mid-October, and Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) from early October to late December. If you dive during the rising tide, you may see Grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), Dogtooth tuna, Sailfish, and Hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini). Hammerhead sharks can also be seen between late November and early December.

Diving in this region is heavily influenced by the tides, which change every six hours. Currents can range from nil to strong and may be multidirectional or involve upwellings, particularly when moving further offshore.

Seasonal planning is important for specific sightings, with the best period for land trekking being between late May and September. The presence of high plankton levels from late September to late December attracts various filter-feeding species.